The Meditation Contest

Journey to the West 58 The Meditation Contest

I challenge you to a meditation contest, ” said the Tiger Immortal. “ Whoever can meditate the longest without moving is the winner. ” Wukong gulped. “ I used to meditate a lot, ” he thought. “ But I haven’t done it lately. I’m terrible at sitting still. ” The Tang Monk stepped forward. “ I accept your challenge. ”

“ Master, are you sure?” asked Wujing. The Tang Monk nodded. “ I’ve spent many years meditating. This contest will be easy for me. ” The Tiger Immortal grinned. “ This won’t be an ordinary meditation contest. We will float in the air and meditate. Can you do that?”

Now the Tang Monk looked nervous. But before the monk could answer, Wukong clapped him on the back. “ Of course the Tang Monk can float in the air, ” the monkey replied. Then he whispered into the monk’s ear. “ Don’t worry, Master. You just meditate. I’ll handle everything else. ” “ What are you babbling about?” snapped the Tiger Immortal. “ Let’s start the contest. ”

The Tiger Immortal and the Tang Monk went in front of the crowd. They sat down with their legs crossed and their palms facing up. They closed their eyes and started meditating. After a moment the Tiger Immortal slowly floated up into the air. “ Uh-oh, ” said Bajie. “ Master can’t do that. He’ll lose the contest. ”

“ Don’t worry, ” said Wukong. “ He just needs some help from me. ” The monkey recited a spell and then blew toward the Tang Monk. The monk lifted off the ground. His eyes remained closed. Soon he was floating next to the Tiger Immortal. “ I think Master will win this contest, ” said Wujing.